HUNTERDON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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HUNTERDON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
71 Main Street, Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse
Flemington, New Jersey 08822
March 2, 2021
Dial-in Numbers: 720-399-1558 or 877-658-5107
Passcode: 403752
4:30 p.m. CONVENE:
"This meeting is being held in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.
Adequate notice has been given by posting throughout the year a copy of the notice on Bulletin
Boards on the First and Second Floor of the Main Street County Complex, Building #1,
Flemington, New Jersey, a public place reserved for such announcements. A copy was mailed
on or before January 06, 2021, to the Hunterdon County Democrat, Star Ledger, Trenton
Times, Courier News, TAPinto (online) and the Express Times, newspapers designated to
receive such notices and by filing a copy with the Hunterdon County Clerk.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
5:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNSEL ON EXECUTIVE SESSION
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Mr. Van Doren provided an update on the Human Services Department and also the state’s
childcare tuition assistance program, which has been extended through the end of the school
year. Mr. Van Doren has contacted members of state legislative delegation representing
Hunterdon County for their help in securing additional doses of the vaccine to the County.
Currently, Hunterdon County is receiving 600 first doses of the Moderna vaccine per week. Mr.
Van Doren thanked the County personnel along with the Medical Reserve Corps volunteers who
have administered nearly 6,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine to date.
Mr. Holt updated the public on the programming that has been conducted by the Rutgers
Cooperative Extension (RCE) over the past few months including online education videos,
Facebook live events, webinars, and social media posts on key topics. Several new RCE
programs will be launching in the Spring. Mr. Holt reported on the Cultural & Heritage
Commission, which recently submitted their Annual Report. Mr. Holt noted that a significant
portion of the funding for the Cultural and Heritage Commission comes from grants, which
Director Carrie Fellows and her team have been successful in securing. More than $110,000 in
grants were obtained in 2020 for arts and historical programs in Hunterdon County.
Mr. Rich provided an update on the Department of Public Works and overall shared services in
Hunterdon County. Mr. Rich complemented the recent work of the Department of Public Works
responding to ongoing winter storms. Mr. Rich also being the representative to the Greater
Raritan Workforce Development Board, provided information about the Greater Raritan One-
Stop Career Center. There is a workshop on Tuesday, March 23rd from 10 AM to 12 PM, and
again on Tuesday, April 20th from 10 AM to 12 PM.
Mr. Lanza commented on the Governor’s new school aid budget numbers for Hunterdon County
and noted this is the fourth consecutive year that Governor Murphy’s budget has reduced overall
state education aid to Hunterdon County. This year, the proposed reduction in school aid to
Hunterdon County school districts is $2.6 million; Hunterdon County has lost $8.4 million inoverall school aid over the last four years. Mr. Lanza intends to propose a resolution at the next Board Meeting to address the “Stop the School Aid Madness.” Mr. Lanza also commented that the state should provide the county with more vaccines so that the senior community can be vaccinated more quickly. Ms. Soloway commented on the upcoming Senior Art Show which will be taking place in May of this year. Given the ongoing social distancing measures, this year’s art show will be conducted virtually. Ms. Soloway also reported that the Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off will take place on Saturday, March 6th from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Route 12 Complex. Electronic recycling is scheduled for Saturday, March 20th. Ms. Soloway also noted that despite a drastic increase in state education aid to schools, Hunterdon County will receive an overall reduction in funding. Ms. Soloway had the opportunity last week to recognize six county employees from different departments that received the County’s Appreciations Award for their work during 2020. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITION SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 2A PROCLAMATION PROCLAMATION #2021-10 – RESOLVED, Recognizing Bryan Lauber, founder of Hunterdon County Weather. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Rich ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Rich, Mr. Holt, Mr. Van Doren, Ms. Soloway ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE, Marc Saluk, Director Milford Borough Grant Presentation by Mayor Henri Schepens VETERAN SERVICES REPORT, Veterans Service Officer Rich Booth OEM UPDATE: Brayden Fahey, OEM Coordinator HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE: Karen DeMarco, Director: Ms. DeMarco reported that Hunterdon County is coming up on the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Hunterdon County. Ms. DeMarco provided updates on the recent COVID-19 cases in Hunterdon County and noted that all outbreaks are investigated. Ms. DeMarco noted that the County continues to schedule vaccine clinics as doses become available. Ms. DeMarco also noted that while eligibility for the vaccine has expanded, the supply problems continue to persist. To date, the Hunterdon County Health Department has provided over six thousand vaccines at the drive through clinics. If the number of vaccine supply increases, the number of people provided with appointments will also increase. For those who do not have internet access to sign up for a spot on the waitlist, staff at the Health Department Call Center are available to assist. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, Kevin Davis: Mr. Davis reported that NJAC is currently conducting its remote education series and last week, there was a session on vaccine distribution by county governments, where each of the counties shared info on their distribution strategy. During this webinar, most counties on the call expressed their sense of frustration with the lack of vaccine supply. APPOINTMENTS: SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 2B RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-159 – RESOLVED, Approving the reappointment of Richard M. Horoschak to the Hunterdon County Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) effective immediately through January 31, 2024. MOVED: Mr. Van Doren SECONDED: Mr. Holt ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Lanza, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway CONSENT AGENDA “All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Hunterdon and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately.”
SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 3A RESOLUTION AGENDA ITEM - Approval of claims in accordance with the Claims Register dated March 02, 2021. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway RESOLUTION - Approval of the regular and executive session meeting minutes of February 16, 2021. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 3B RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-160 – RESOLVED, Authorizing an unrestricted weight limit for County Bridge C-26, on Cratetown Road, in the Township of Clinton upon the recommendation of the County Engineer. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 3C RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-161 – RESOLVED, Authorizing an unrestricted weight limit for County Bridge E-174, located on County Route 602 (Wertsville Road), in the Township of East Amwell, upon the recommendation of the County Engineer. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 3D RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-162 – RESOLVED, Authorizing the Director of the Board of County Commissioners to sign Contract Modification #1 with Brinkerhoff Environmental Services Inc., for the Milford Project Property, in an amount not to exceed $9,150.00. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 3E RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-163 – RESOLVED, Approving the addition of straight time pay as other compensation to employees in the Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety as required under Article 8A of the CWA Local 1036 Rank & File Agreement. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 3F RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-164 – RESOLVED, Authorizing the Director of the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners to sign, on behalf of the County, Final Change Order #1, with Bridgeway Associated Corp. decreasing the amount of the contract by $4,275.00 for County Bid 2020-11. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 3G RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-165 – RESOLVED, Authorizing the final payment under Bid #2020-11 to Bridgeway Associates Corp., in the amount of $126,054.50, for the project known as the 2020 Painting of Various Bridges throughout the County of Hunterdon. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway
SEE PAGE 03/02/2021 – 4A RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2021-166 – RESOLVED, Authorizing the Director of the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners, to execute on behalf of the County, a final Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Communications Works of America, Local 1036, Supervisory Unit, for a period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2020. MOVED: Mr. Lanza SECONDED: Mr. Van Doren ROLL CALL (AYES): Mr. Lanza, Mr. Van Doren, Mr. Holt, Mr. Rich, Ms. Soloway CORRESPONDENCE PUBLIC COMMMENT Susan Blubaugh, Alexandria Township – Thanked the federal government for their hard work and dedication on the vaccine effort. Ms. Bluebook also expressed her support of the American Rescue Plan and Governor Murphy’s efforts combating the virus. Kim Rodgers, Califon Borough – thanked Veterans Services Officer Rich Booth for his update and work. Ms. Rodgers also thanked Brian Lauber for his work on creating Hunterdon County Weather. Ms. Rodgers also requested that the Board of Commissioners issue a statement acknowledging the November election was free and fair. Alicia Lerman, Lebanon Borough – thanked Karen DeMarco and team for their work with ongoing vaccine clinics. Referred to the caller from Califon Borough, and agreed that the Board should state the November General Election was legitimate. Commented on seeing images on CSPAN of white supremist being present at the January 6th DC rally. Steven Leftly, Lebanon Township – expressed his dissatisfaction of Ms. Soloway’s visit to the U.S. Capital for the January 6th rally. Sara Varga, Lebanon Township – Commented on the February 19th meeting and the response given by Ms. Soloway. Ms. Varga asked a few questions regarding protocols at the Commissioners meetings, the COVID-19 vaccine sign up process, and encouraged more to be done concerning Black History, violence against the Asian community, and more efforts to address Holocaust remembrance. John D., Raritan Township – thanked the Commissioners for their hard work and excellent leadership from the Board. Happy with the Health Department website and all the information that is available. Also expressed his support of President Trump and thanked the former president for his efforts on developing the COVID-19 vaccine. John also noted that he believes there were problems with the November General Election. Kathleen Ferns, Lebanon Township – Wondered why some people weren’t as aggressive at calling upon the Mayor of Flemington to resign for her outlandish public comments. Supported Ms. Soloway’s constitutional right to attend the January 6th rally. ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Soloway noted that each of the callers were engaging in constitutionally protected free speech. Ms. Soloway also highlighted key policy achievements at the meeting and thanked the County workforce for its continued dedication. Mr. Holt commented on the Board’s policy objectives and its commitment to good governance in Hunterdon County. Mr. Holt also noted that he is going to stay positive and not engage in the negativity that is being pushed by some of the callers. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Reconvene if necessary) ADJOURNMENT The Board adjourned at 7:24 PM on a motion by Commissioner Lanza and seconded by Commissioner Van Doren and carried by voice vote. Respectfully Submitted. ___________________________ Brad Myhre, Clerk to the Board Transcribed by: ___________________________ Lindsay Heller, Secretary to the Board
RESOLUTION
ENTERING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975, permits the
exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the County is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of
the County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of the specified subject matter.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:
I. LEGAL:
• Park Property Lease Agreements
• Park Staff Obtaining CDL Licenses / CWA Bargaining
• Fire Service Legal Opinion Review
II. PERSONNEL:
• Superintendent of Bridges Appointment
• Discussion of Acting Chief of Staff Position
• Discussion of Acting Public Safety Director Position
I, Brad Myhre, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, County of Hunterdon, hereby
certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true, complete, and accurate copy of a resolution
adopted by the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners at a meeting held on March
02, 2021.
ROLL CALL MOVED SECONDED AYES NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Susan J. Soloway, Director X
John E. Lanza, Deputy Director X X
Shaun C. Van Doren, Commissioner X
J. Matthew Holt, Commissioner X X
Zachary T. Rich, Commissioner X
ADOPTED March 02, 2021
____________________________
Brad Myhre, CLERKYou can also read
